In the UFC championship sphere, few storylines are as intriguing as the ongoing tension between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria. These two champions from different weight classes have been circling each other like skilled predators, each waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Makhachev has made it crystal clear that he’s not interested in entertaining Topuria’s challenge. During a recent press conference for his upcoming title defense against Arman Tsarukyan, the Dagestani fighter dropped some brutally honest comments that sent shockwaves through the MMA community.
“I’m tired of giving chances to small guys. I need my second belt. It’s nothing exciting, he [Topuria] is a good fighter, he is a good, skilled fighter, but I don’t want to give him a chance… Fight for what? For me it’s nothing. Just his name? I don’t need his name. I need the belt.”
Islam Makhachev isn’t interested in fighting Ilia Topuria:
— Championship Rounds (@ChampRDS) December 6, 2024
“I’m tired of giving chances to small guys. I need my second belt… I don’t want to give [Ilia] chance.”#UFC #MMA #UFC311pic.twitter.com/URaj32KNSF
His message was direct and unapologetic: He’s done giving opportunities to smaller fighters. The lightweight kingpin’s stance comes from a place of calculated ambition. He’s already conquered Alexander Volkanovski twice, proving his dominance across weight classes. Now, Makhachev has his sights set on something bigger – a second championship belt.
Interestingly, Makhachev’s teammate and fellow welterweight champion Belal Muhammad had warned Topuria about the potential consequences of challenging the Dagestani fighter. His advice was to stick to your own weight class and be careful what you wish for.
Fight Fans React To Islam Makhachev’s Unwillingness To Fight Ilia Topuria
Makhachev’s declaration that he’s “tired of giving chances to small guys” struck a nerve with fight enthusiasts. Some fans viewed it as strategic positioning, while others saw it as ducking a challenging opponent. The lightweight champion’s focus on securing a second belt seemed to overshadow the potential cross-division clash that many were hoping to see.
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Twitter became a battleground of opinions. Some supporters praised Makhachev’s calculated approach, arguing that he has nothing to prove by fighting a smaller opponent. Others were less diplomatic with his approach. Here are some of the reactions from the fight fans:
Ducking at it’s best
— Gaethje with Glasses (@MMANerd64) December 7, 2024
Good boy, go prove yourself against people your own size@MAKHACHEVMMA
— MAGA MMA (@BeastyCopt) December 6, 2024
headline should say “Islam looking for double champ status”. Ilia for clicks.
— PJ (@P_Jonezz) December 7, 2024
They're just gonna say he beat another featherweight
— E.D.N. (@evildarkskinn) December 7, 2024
What second belt?
— TeslaSkyz (@TeslaSkyz) December 6, 2024
He already said he didn't want to fight Belal
Dana still Glazing Jon Jones 😂😂
— Combat Sport Guys (@combatsportguys) December 6, 2024
As the dust settles, one thing remains certain: the potential fight between Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria continues to generate more buzz than many actual scheduled matchups. Whether they will ever meet in the octagon remains the million-dollar question that keeps fans talking.
Also Read: Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev Responds To Colby Covington’s Weight Bully Comments
